Arthurs Point

Arthurs Point is ten minutes north of Queenstown on the Coronet Peak road, where the Shotover River comes out of its gorge. It is a village rather than a town — a hotel, a scatter of houses on both sides of the river, and two of the district's better-known businesses.

This is where the gold was found. In November 1862 the first colour came out of the river here, and the rush that followed built Queenstown. Miners reportedly took about four ounces in three hours from the bank.

What is here

Shotover Jet operates from Arthurs Point Road, running the Shotover Canyons — the narrow section immediately upstream. It has been running since 1965 and is owned by Ngāi Tahu.

The Onsen Hot Pools sit above the gorge, with private cedar tubs that open onto the view. Book ahead; they are small and popular.

The Edith Cavell Bridge carries the road over the gorge, with its deck about 27 m above the river. It is the best free viewpoint here — you can watch the jet boats come through from it. It is a single-lane bridge on a busy road, so park and walk rather than stopping on it.

The Shotover Canyon Swing runs from the cliffs nearby, with check-in in Queenstown rather than on site.

Walking

The Moonlight Track leaves from here and climbs over toward the Moonlight and Sefferstown country — old mining ground, and a long day rather than a stroll. The riverbed below the bridge is walkable in low water and is a decent place to look for the tailings and races the miners left.

Nearby

Coronet Peak is up the same road, Skippers Canyon branches off it, and Arrowtown is fifteen minutes further on.